Elliptical Locus: Trammel of Archimedes

2011-06-17 02:24
This applet demonstrates the classic Trammel of Archimedes. A segment of fixed length slides with its endpoints on the x and y axes. The locus of any fixed point on this segment forms an ellipse. Using the Locus command, it visually connects motion with the geometric definition of an ellipse, ideal for coordinate geometry.